The Chimera Snare: Fragments

by S. Black, E. Black

From new author duo S&E Black comes Fragments, the debut to the dark fantasy series The Chimera Snare.

For Rayshell and her best friend Trish, senior year of high school is going to hell in a handbasket. The feud between Celestine and Daeva is bleeding into their world. When a mysterious visitor infiltrates her dreams, Rayshell is thrust into a realm of profound, otherworldly secrets. Together, Rayshell and Trish uncover the unbelievable – they are the living vessels for two banished Celestine guardians.

Amidst mystical recollections and a wondrous magic system that shatters the veneer of their everyday lives, the two friends embark on a journey against time to connect with the Celestine guardians' allies in hopes of freeing them from their imprisonment. Simultaneously, the shadows cast by Daeva darken. The notorious outlaw, Merisek, has positioned himself to claim dominion over the Order of Existence—a trio of powerful artifacts capable of reshaping reality. Armed with two of these relics, Merisek races against the emergence of the Celestine guardians to claim the third. The stage is set for a showdown that will determine the fate of existence itself.

Rayshell and Trish are all that stand between Merisek and his unhinged desire to twist the fabric of reality into his making. As the threads of destiny unravel, the question looms: who will be the author of existence, and what profound truths will be unveiled in the final, decisive act?

594 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2024

About the author

Husband & Wife author duo Shannon Vierra & Edward Ayllon write under the pen name S & E Black. Together, they craft the award-winning series, The Chimera Snare. They share a deep appreciation for music and credit a great number of bands and artists for inspiring their writing journey. Currently, they live in the greater Chicago area, amid a rich and diverse culture, with their clowder of rescue cats.

Shannon is an urban gardener and an avid seed collector. In the makeup community, she goes by the moniker zoomzoommacaron and hosts an international, zombie-themed makeup collab called the #zombabescollab. She also enjoys anime, horror movies, craft beer & kombucha, cooking (and eating), sunbathing, photography, and singing badly.

Reviews

[Lubov Leonova · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Captivating Fantasy Tale

The story follows the journey of two senior year students, Rayshell and Trish, who discover they are vessels for Celestine guardians. The story starts off a bit slow but quickly picks up pace. Multiple twists and turns kept me engaged until the end. One of the highlights of the book is the author's vivid and captivating writing style, which brings the realms of Celestine and Daeve to life. The descriptions of these worlds are beautifully done, making it easy to immerse in the story.

The author does a great job of portraying the characters as teenagers coming of age, with good character development throughout the book. Rayshell and Trish are both interesting characters that I rooted for as they navigated the challenges of their newfound roles. A romantic subplot between Rayshell and Von, it felt a bit underdeveloped and could have been explored further. However, this does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the story.

With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and vivid world-building, this book is surely a great read for young adult readers who enjoy fantasy and magic. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

[Danyelle Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t my normal genre that I’m into, but I thought I would give it a go. If you’re into dark fantasy, this is your book!

Im not gonna go over what the book is about in this review cause you can read the back of the book for that or I guess read other reviews. Im gonna say what I enjoyed & didn’t enjoy.

At first I had a really hard time figuring out when the book goes from reality ( human world) to the other realms. I didn’t understand the first chapter at all ( prologue). Then realized that Rayshell is Navaryn & Trish is Lowenna but it took a while. There is soooo many characters that for me personally it was hard to keep track with who was with Celestine & Daeva. Then more in the human world. I also didn’t know what alot of words meant so this book could just be over my head for someone who isn’t into fantasy books. The writting style itself is good though.

Once I got the story line down I moved more quickly with my reading. Around page 150, The Kiss Chapter the two worlds collided ( human world and the fantasy world). I really liked that the author did that, i also feel it helped me understand more when it wasn’t just the fantasy world. This book reminds me of a little bit of Stranger things & Game of thrones ( not with the same storylines, totally different then those) but with going from different dimensions, the dragons, fairys and plus humans lol . I enjoyed the story line ( once I figured it out )& the betrayals, the sacrifices, then the ending with Von. Im sure this will be a series of books. Over all I give it 4 stars. I would love to see this book become a Netflix series one day!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chimera Snare completely blew me away! From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The authors masterfully weave a web of multiple worlds, each more intriguing than the last. The complex layering of plot and characters kept me fully immersed, and I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what would happen next.

What I loved most was how the story held my attention throughout. Every twist and turn felt purposeful, keeping me guessing. The world-building is detailed and imaginative, blending fantasy, intrigue, and suspense in a way that felt fresh and exciting.

The ending—wow! Just enough of a cliffhanger to leave me wanting more, but also a satisfying sense of closure that didn’t leave me frustrated. I can’t wait for the sequel! If you love stories that are immersive, thrilling, and full of unexpected turns, Chimera Snare is a must-read.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rayshell’s senior year was supposed to be a season of fleeting moments, a quiet goodbye to high school life. Instead, her reality fractures when her dreams are infiltrated by a shadowy presence, delivering cryptic warnings. With her fiercely loyal best friend Trish by her side, Rayshell uncovers an extraordinary truth: they are living vessels for exiled Celestine guardians—ancient protectors trapped in limbo. As forgotten powers awaken within them, the two are drawn into a cosmic struggle where existence itself hangs by a thread. In this apocalyptic upheaval, Rayshell and Trish must confront their entangled destinies and grapple with a question: can they restore what’s been lost, or will their enemy’s fractured reality become their own?

The Chimera Snare: Fragments by S&E Black fuses the quiet rhythms of everyday life with the vast drama of celestial warfare. At its heart, this is a story of balance—ordinary people grappling with the enormity of an otherworldly battle. Rayshell and Trish’s journey, both intimate and epic, captures themes of self-discovery, courage, and sacrifice. Rayshell’s internal struggle to reconcile her shattered identity with an unchosen destiny is both relatable and powerful. Meanwhile, Trish’s unyielding bravery and steadfast support offer an anchor amidst chaos. Their bond is a heartfelt exploration of love, loyalty, and the blurred spaces between loss and renewal, drawing readers into their deeply emotional odyssey.

The novel’s true brilliance lies in its world-building and prose. Celestine and Daeva, the realms central to the conflict, are intricately detailed, bursting with life, mystery, and tension. The authors paint vivid landscapes, from the grandeur of Celestine’s sacred beauty to the shadowy depths of Daeva’s treacherous expanse. Magic systems feel rich and lived-in, while political and cultural nuances create a tapestry of wonder and intrigue. Emotional resonance shines through every layer of this vast world. Von’s desperate mission to save Navaryn is both heartbreaking and compelling, while Rayshell’s reluctant embrace of her connection to both Celestine guardians adds a deeply personal stake. The interplay of the personal and the cosmic makes the narrative immersive, balancing grandeur with raw human emotion.

The Chimera Snare: Fragments excels as a blend of imaginative storytelling and emotional depth. This is a tale of immense scope, grounded by its characters’ humanity. For fans of intricate world-building and compelling character arcs, this novel is an unforgettable journey.

[Misty Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book! The character development is well done. The author clearly describes the setting and does it well. I am one of those readers that enjoys the relationship between characters and this book has it. It was somewhat slow to start and I feel much of that is because it leads in to the next book so the foundation is strong.

Overall a great read and I am looking forward to the next book!

I am not paid to review this book.

[Dayja Wydzierzecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

*SPOILERS*
I started off very confused but as I pushed onward, eventually the pieces started coming together and making sense. Which is most definitely the point.
My favorite characters were definitely Lowenna and Claymar. Lowenna is beyond badass and Claymar was the perfect comedic relief I needed. I never really loved Kumiko but as the story advanced I grew to wish for his demise. I could never really tell if he was in it to be helpful or in it to help himself. Then he made the most selfish choice he could have. Nav and Von are separated and she thinks she loves Kumiko. This infuriated me. Now all I have are questions as I not so patiently await book 2! If Von is not Daeva, what is he? Is he a traveler? Is he Opiri? Will Trish return? Can Von fix things? I need answers!!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger is coming and they will be pulled in to try to stop it ruining the lives of everyone around them. They will be pulled into a battle to stop everything they know and love being destroyed. How will they get on? Will they stop the danger? Can they keep everyone safe? How will they get on? See how they get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book suffered from very pronounced Thesaurus-itis, which sometimes made it difficult to read sentences and interrupted the flow.

[B.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great book, that takes a bit of time to get into, but once you’re involved in it, you’re hooked. The character development and the environments that the story takes you through is amazing. I had no issues with visioning the worlds it took place in. Can’t wait for the next one in the series to come out.

[Heidi Blomquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

with so many different characters with unique names, it took me awhile to get into this book. once i became more familiar with the characters it grabbed my attention. interesting story.

[Nichole Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a powerful, gripping tale hidden inside this book, but you have to be patient.

First off, the contrast between the realms of Celestine and Daeva captivated me immediately, with light magic and anarchic dark energy creating a fascinating backdrop to this story. The unique magic system shines. Also, the way Rayshell and Trish grapple with celestial entities is intriguing. Both of these aspects contribute to a poignant exploration of duality, which I loved.

However, the prose often feels overwrought, weighing down the narrative and overcomplicating moments that would benefit from simplicity. This tendency slows the pacing, making it harder for the story’s strengths to shine. Additionally, frequent use of passive voice makes it drag a bit.

Romantic subplots, while full of potential, fall a bit short. Rayshell and Von’s bittersweet connection hints at greater depth but doesn’t fully deliver, while Trish’s struggles with Lowenna’s influence feel like an afterthought rather than an integral thread. And sure, this isn't a romance or even a romantasy. But expanding on these dynamics, even just a little, could have added much-needed emotional weight to the story.

Despite these shortcomings, the book’s world-building is phenomenal, its power system innovative, and its themes of identity, memory, and power resonate deeply. With tighter editing and more room for its relationships to breathe, The Chimera Snare: Fragments could transition from good to truly great.

Overall, it's the kind of book you root for even as it stumbles, hoping its potential shines brighter in the next installment.

[Mandy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN ENGAGING FANTASY READ. A grab for power sets this book in motion to be engaging, suspenseful, with good character development and descriptive realms. Celestine is a land that protects the artifacts that, in the wrong hands, could reshape reality. There are two guardians put in place to keep these artifacts safe. When the two guardians are thrust into the world of humans the artifacts are at risk from Merisek, the one that sent Lowenna and Navaryn into the human realm. Time is not on the guardian’s side as they must free themselves from their vessels and return to Celestine to defend their homeland. The vision of this story, these worlds and these characters are well thought out and the author understands how to create a captivating story, that keeps you wanting more. I found myself devouring each page. In the world of Celestine and Daeva you will find betrayal, love, lies, teenage drama, deceit, and a web that is woven through realms and through time. I cannot wait to get my hands on he second book and find out what happens in this epic adventure through fantasy and suspense.
I have met the authors of this book in person, and they are great to engage with and they are excited to share their work with the world. Check them out!

[Daniel Georgiev · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know those books that you postpone specifically for the weekend so that you can blast through them? It turned out to be one of those for me. I sat down and turned page after page, drawn into the masterfully written story. There's no info-dumping, descriptions that you'd ask yourself "why do you exist?"
At the very start, you're drawn in by multiple questions and a spontaneous action scene that is written in a spectacularly good pace, allowing you to feel each impact and each struggle.
Soon after, you suddenly feel like you got dropped into an anime. Why? Because the casual high school life is suddenly entwined with a cosmic battle where reality itself is at stake. Bleach, anyone? Gives me vibes like that, a bit.
Rayshell and Trish's journey goes through the themes of fate and sacrifice, further introducing the theme of lost memories. The setting is mesmerising with Celestine and Daeva drawing a stark contrast.
The stakes and mysteries are what leaves you craving for the next page, and the perfectly written prose make it just as amazing as it could be.
I rate this five stars as–at last–some real amazing fantasy right there.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rayshell and Trish are just ordinary high school students in their senior year when they discover they are unwilling hosts to two powerful Celestine Guardians. The two realms of Celestine and Daeva are feuding, and the battle for supremacy is bleeding into the human realm. The guardians are responsible for protecting three magical, and very powerful artifacts that an outlaw from Daeva is determined to use to remake his realm and Celestine into his own idea of reality. Unfortunately, Rayshell is host to the only guardian with the knowledge of the whereabouts of the one artifact that the outlaw Merisek has yet to acquire.
Magic, battles, and feuding realms. A clean romantic fantasy with unexpected twist in the plot, and one heck of a cliffhanger. I just hope there is another book coming. I thought all of the characters in this book were fascinating and unique, and that Rayshell and Trish, two high school seniors were particularly realistic. This is a must-read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Benjamin Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brutal, beautiful descent into fractured identity and shifting realities. The Chimera Snare: Fragments reads like a fever dream narrated by a poet with a scalpel—sharp, disorienting, and unforgettable. S. Black masterfully blends psychological horror, sci-fi grit, and lyrical prose into something that feels like peeling back your own mind, layer by layer, until you’re not quite sure what’s left.

This book made me question the boundaries between memory and invention, between self and projection. It lingers in that liminal space where reality warps and the familiar becomes unnerving. What do we choose to forget in order to function? How much of our identity is curated, stitched together from moments we barely understand? Reading it felt like stepping into a broken mirror, disorienting, yes, but also illuminating.

It doesn’t hold your hand and that’s the point. It trusts the reader to feel their way through the shards. If you like your fiction strange, smart, and slightly unhinged, this one’s a must.

[Athena LeChat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked most of this book. It has a nice steady pace that keeps us moving without seeming frantic. I found most of the characters likable enough to root for. It's a bit long, sure, though that's partly because the plot is complex, multifaceted and spans multiple worlds.
There is some clumsiness to the writing. Some of the phrasings are weird, mixing formal language haphazardly with slang, and the writer seems to have succumbed to an unfortunate case of thesaurus abuse.
That said, the story is unique, detailed and logical. The characters are believable and each of them acts in accordance with their individual personalities and worldviews. I found myself truly rooting for them.
The magic system is interesting, and I wish the author had gone into more detail with it. I would've liked to explore the several types of magic that were referred to.
I was most disappointed with the ending. Without spoiling it, I found the ending a big letdown, especially coming at the end of such an engaging story.

[Suzanne Bliven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a great read. The characters area so interesting and different to most other fantasy/sci fi characters. I had heard the term chimera before, but I hadn't known much about it until reading the book. It enticed me to do a deeper dive into the word itself and the lore behind it.

The story starts off in our world, the world of humans. It toggles back and forth between our world and Celestine, another realm in a distant universe. I will say, I was a bit confused at first, but the story quickly reveals itself within the first few chapters.

There's a lot of Mystery, thrills, twists, and details to the book. It's a long read, but very satisfying and captivating. I'm actually looking forward to reading it again so that the story is fresh in my mind. Yes, it's a book with reading more than once.

It's a bit spicy, there's some violence, and some adult language. So, definitely use discretion when recommending the book to younger readers or those who might find those bits objectionable. Overall, it's a well- crafted world. I can't wait for you to dive in.

[Brittany Florea · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Really tried to finish this, but I could only make it half way before I just couldn’t take it with the inconsistencies and bad writing. It read like it was written by a middle-schooler, and the entire thing was so passive. Like, you’re meant to believe the main character can hear the other side of a phone call in an apartment complex from outside?? And then not address what she heard right away?? And how does she afford to get so many cigarettes when she literally only had $20 to her name at one point. Literally the beginning of the book she bummed 2 cigarettes from her mom, and then suddenly had an unlimited supply from that? And the main descriptors of each character are what color their hair is, and what color their eyes are. Apparently that’s all the reader needs to know about them. It was really hard to connect or feel anything for them. The authors introduce characters and expect the reader to already care about them with little to no explanation. I love supporting local, but I struggled with this one.

[Brian Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming from a massive fantasy fan, The Chimera Snare: Fragments was *such* a good read! S & E Black do wonders to keep the readers invested by jumping between the realms of of dark magic enhanced by political intrigued, while still keeping the story of the reality-bound high schoolers not only entertaining, but also while furthering the plot. Fragments has the feel of Rick Riordan's novels of Percy Jackson, but with a whole new world with an original mythos full of detail. You can feel the love Black put into this novel when describing aspects such as "paralleling" and the Daeva's complicated history. I can't state enough how excited I am to look out for more in this series from Black, or for any other novels they produce.

If all that doesn't sell you, know this: I made a GoodReads account just for Fragments. If you enjoy unique world building, realistic dialogue, high school drama, or supernatural political power struggles, give Fragments a read!!!

[S.A. Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was funny, relatable, and well done. The character development was there with gusto, and the plot was on point and the writing was superb. This caught my attention from the very first chapter and kept my mind busy for hours. I binged it little a crazy person and it consumed my every moment for two whole days. I look forward to more details on the relationship in future books. It kept me guessing with the twists and turns and on my toes the whole time. Be warned, the cliffhanger is headed your way. It's a good one! Even with the young characters, the story was well written and still walked that line of mature writing we all appreciate. The writing style is even top-notch. It different but still crazy compelling. The author has done an excellent job with this book! I'm excited to see what Book 2 has in store for us!

[Bobbi Iszler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a look into a magical world linked to ours. S&E Black have crafted a story focused on uncovering the truth and finding an escape. Rayshell and her friend, Trish, have an unbreakable bond that embodies the Celestial beings you'll come to learn of in this enchanting tale. This story offers combat, love, a taste of revenge, plenty of deceit, and many twists to keep you reading.
Rayshell is undeniably stubborn, strong, and kind-hearted. Her best friend, Trish, is only seeking to protect her friend from the fight from within. These two girls unravel a truly devastating tale while feeling the pulls from otherworldly, yet familiar, realms. As the story continues, you cannot help but yearn to uncover all of the secrets for yourself. S&E Black offer a great story from page one to page 505.

[Shyler Tibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this captivating fantasy novel, high school seniors Rayshell and Trish find themselves thrust into a world of magic and danger when they discover they're vessels for banished Celestine guardians. As they race to unlock their powers, they must confront Merisek, a formidable villain bent on reshaping reality itself. The author masterfully blends familiar fantasy elements with innovative twists, creating a rich, complex world that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. With its intricate magic system, high-stakes plot, and well-developed characters, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers. While occasionally graphic, the novel's thrilling pace and unexpected turns make it a standout in the genre. It's an impressive start to what promises to be an exciting series.

[Christina White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this is my first time EVER reading a fantasy genre. I could never get into them for reason but I’m telling you, this book captured my whole attention! You’re able to daydream with it while it’s still being relatable. It had everything I look for in a book! Drama, humor, sexual moments, femininity, passion! I highly recommend you check out this book! The authors are amazing people as well!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun, interesting and yet relaxing book all at once. The story gets pretty easy to pick up on after a few minutes and the characters and their dialogue seem genuine. It has some funny parts and I really liked the action sequences. I found myself getting through this in just a few days. Can’t wait for the sequel.

[Natalie Horseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and imaginative fantasy adventure! It pulls you in with rich world-building, a unique magic system, and strong characters you can root for. Rayshell and Trish’s journey is fast-paced, emotional, and full of twists that keep you turning the pages. A great read for fans of epic YA fantasy.

[Megan Mclellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a stellar fantasy novel!!! I am in love with this authors writing style!! The complexities of the world and the characters was incredible!!! I highly highly recommend this book and author!!

[Tara Porphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely brilliant! I normally don’t gravitate toward this type of genre, but this book really was very unique in its execution! I loved reading and seeing where the story was going to go next. I couldn’t put the book down and I needed to see how it ended! Highly recommend!

[thereadernthebeast · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!